In his first season in Major League Soccer and with the Red-and-White, midfielder Jose Manuel Rivera is among the team’s most well-traveled players, having come up through the academy and pro ranks in Mexico’s First-Division and spent time with three different clubs in Europe. The experience and knowledge he has acquired is what he feels can put him in a position to serve in a leadership role on this young club.

In Sunday’s 2-1 Reserve League win against Seattle Sounders FC’s Reserves, Rivera was named team captain. Having played a league match two nights before, usual Chivas USA captain and goalkeeper Dan Kennedy was not in Sunday morning’s lineup, which left Rivera as one of the prime candidates to wear the captain’s armband.

“I was very happy to serve as captain,” said Rivera. “You have to be ready and work. It was a plus. It means that [the coaching staff] had confidence in me. I was happy when they told me, which is good, because it means that I’m becoming a more important part, and that’s what I want, to be an important part on the club.”

Rivera not only provided leadership with his vocal approach on the pitch on Sunday, but the Guadalajara native figured in both of the Rojiblancos’ scores in the second half. In the 69th minute, Rivera worked the ball in the attacking third just outside the top of the box and linked up with forward Caleb Calvert. Rivera chipped his pass over Seattle’s defense and placed it where the young Goat could head in the tally. In the 76th minute, Rivera again looked to distribute from his center-mid position, as he found Josué Soto on the left side of the box, who then crossed it to forward Tristan Bowen for the left-footed one-time goal.

“I’ve always liked to be vocal and communicate,” Rivera mentioned. “And not to just for show, but to help and generate good play and motivation. It is always helpful to have someone vocal and that is what I like to do. You can’t just talk and not do anything. That’s why today was about getting results first and play well before anything, to then , quote on quote, get permission to speak up to help.”